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Sehnsucht, Op 83 No 2

Introduction

Although this setting is essentially strophic in outline, Beethoven constantly varies the accompaniment – the opening lines of each stanza are first accompanied in the right hand by crotchets, then semiquavers, two quavers, three quavers, and finally a crotchet-quaver rhythm. Another delightful touch is the change towards the end from the minor to the tonic major, reflecting the more upbeat mood of the last verse. One subtle touch is the tangible sense of musical longing (‘Sehnsucht’) and expectation that is created by the initial held note which sets each verse in motion.

Recordings

Beethoven was not a keen song writer, yet despite this almost half of his total works call for a voice. The present album includes some of the best of those compositions interpreted by accomplished tenor John Mark Ainsley and his accompanist Iain ...» More

'Stephan Genz has one of the most beautiful voices around today, used with such authority and imagination that I have found myself playing his Beethov ...'This disc, immaculately recorded, should win many new friends for Beethoven's songs' (The Daily Telegraph)» More

What pulls at my heart so? What pulls me away And whirls around me and forces me Out of house and home? Up there in the clouds Where they disappear over the cliffs. How I wish I was yonder, How I wish I was up there!

The ravens gently sway In friendly formation. I merge with them And follow their direction. And mountain and rocks Are beneath our wings. She stays down there; I look out for her.

Here she comes walking; I hurry with all speed, A bird soaring over A thick forest. She waits and listens And smiles to herself: ‘He sings so beautifully And sings just for me.’

The setting sun Bathes the mountains in gold; Brooding thoughts, She enfolds around me. She wanders alongside the stream That winds through the meadows, And by and by darkness Envelops the pathway;

I suddenly appear as A twinkling star. ‘What shines up above, So near and yet so far away?’ And when with amazement You gaze at the light; I lie here at your feet, Feeling elated.

What pulls at my heart so? What pulls me away And whirls around me and forces me Out of house and home? Up there in the clouds Where they disappear over the cliffs. How I wish I was yonder, How I wish I was up there!

The ravens gently sway In friendly formation. I merge with them And follow their direction. And mountain and rocks Are beneath our wings. She stays down there; I look out for her.

Here she comes walking; I hurry with all speed, A bird soaring over A thick forest. She waits and listens And smiles to herself: ‘He sings so beautifully And sings just for me.’

The setting sun Bathes the mountains in gold; Brooding thoughts, She enfolds around me. She wanders alongside the stream That winds through the meadows, And by and by darkness Envelops the pathway;

I suddenly appear as A twinkling star. ‘What shines up above, So near and yet so far away?’ And when with amazement You gaze at the light; I lie here at your feet, Feeling elated.